Mental Health Awareness Week
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week (15th May - 21st May), it's important to reflect on the toll daily life can take on our mental health. Anxiety is an all too familiar emotion for many of us; six in ten adults feel this way, at least some of the time. This emotion can have a profound effect on our mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and even depression, all of which can affect our ability to function day-to-day.
The focus on anxiety this year will increase people's awareness and understanding by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
Thankfully, there are ways to manage these feelings and improve our general wellbeing.
But first, let's dive into the effects of anxiety, which can be characterised by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension, triggered by a range of factors, such as work pressures, relationship issues, financial concerns, and health problems. It is common for people to feel like they are suffering in quiet desperation, particularly if they feel ashamed or stigmatised by their anxiety.
However, when ignored, anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension, as well as mental health issues like depression and panic attacks.
So how can we manage these emotions and improve our mental health? One approach is through self-care, which can involve taking steps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. Additionally, seeking professional support, such as therapy or counselling, can be a helpful way to work through underlying issues.
Another complementary therapy is reflexology. By stimulating specific points on the feet, hands, and ears, reflexology can promote relaxation, reduce tension, and improve overall wellbeing. It's a gentle, non-invasive therapy that can be effective in managing symptoms. Additionally, reflexology has been shown to promote better sleep, which can be beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
As well as the stress-relieving benefits, reflexology can also be effective in treating other mental health conditions, such as depression and insomnia. This is because reflexology stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which can help to improve mood and promote a sense of wellbeing.
Revs sandals are designed to provide a reflexology massage to your feet as you walk. The sandals have specially engineered nodules on the insole that are strategically placed to target specific reflexology points on the feet that stimulate organs, glands and muscles to promote better blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
The sandals are designed to be comfortable and supportive, so you can wear them for extended periods of time. They are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for wearing during warm weather or for activities like yoga or walking.
Mental health awareness is an essential topic that affects us all. Daily life can be filled with anxiety, but reflexology is one way to manage these emotions and improve our overall wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with a specific mental health issue or simply looking to improve your health, reflexology can be an effective complementary therapy to consider. So, take some time this Mental Health Awareness Week to prioritise your mental health, and consider exploring the benefits of reflexology for yourself.